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What is a W-8 BEN form?
Updated over 10 months ago

The W-8 form is required by US law and must be completed and submitted to the appropriate withholding agent or financial institution before any payments can be made to the foreign recipient.

The W-8 BEN form is a specific version of the W-8 form, which is used by foreign individuals to certify their foreign status for tax purposes and claim any applicable tax treaty benefits or exemptions from the US withholding tax. The W-8 BEN form is required by the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and is used by non-US residents who receive income from a US source, such as investment income. The form requires the foreign individual to provide their personal information, such as their name, address, and tax identification number in their home country, as well as to declare their foreign status and eligibility for any tax treaty benefits.

The purpose of the W-8 BEN form is to help ensure that the correct amount of tax is withheld from the foreign individual's US-sourced income, in accordance with US tax laws and any applicable tax treaties.

The W-8 BEN form confirms that an individual is a foreigner for a specific time frame, beginning on the date the form is signed and concluding on the last day of the third calendar year that follows unless there has been a change in their circumstances that invalidates any information provided on the form.

It should be noted that if there are any changes in circumstances that affect the accuracy of the information provided on the form, it must be updated accordingly.

You can contact us if you are unsure whether this information is present in your account.

Note: Please be advised that matters pertaining to taxes are of a personal nature, and if you are uncertain about any potential tax implications that may arise, it is highly recommended that you consult with a qualified tax professional for guidance and assistance.


Investing in securities or other financial instruments always involves the potential of losing your money. FlexInvest recommends considering your investment objectives and risks before investing. For more information, please read our Risk Disclosures Statement and our Terms & Conditions.

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